How the Asia Pacific video security market has grown significantly over the past few years

We’re in the midst of transformative changes that are altering businesses and industries in very significant ways. Warming up to the limitless potential of adopting new technologies like AI, ML, IoT, Big Data, Automation, is changing the way of lives and workplaces. Technological innovation has expanded the remit of what video technology can be used for and with the increased bandwidth that 5G gives connected devices. It has evolved far beyond the basic functionality that many people associate with camera networks. Video analytics are used in industries including healthcare, transportation, and smart cities to get deep insights into behavioral patterns and situational awareness. Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft, VP, APAC, Milestone Systems shares  insights on ‘How the Asia Pacific video security market has grown significantly over the past few years

• Please tell us about your journey at Milestone Systems and your role at Milestone?

I worked in the telecom industry for more than 16 years, witnessing the development of mobile technology, the smartphone revolution, cloud services, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G.

As a technologist and a marketeer, I believe in the combination of logic and magic to build winning teams who know exactly who they are serving. In 2018, I joined Milestone Systems, a leading provider of open platform video management, overlooking 15 countries across Europe, Middle East, and Africa. This year, I transitioned into my current role as Vice President for Asia Pacific (APAC) and am responsible for growing and scaling our business in the region

In 2021, APAC was the highest growth region for Milestone with a 54 percent year-on-year revenue growth which is indicative of video technology being leveraged beyond security. Milestone is headquartered in Denmark and had previously established incumbent positions in EMEA and was a fast mover in the U.S. The APAC region was part of later expansions, and we see a massive opportunity to leverage our footprint even more.

Personally, I am excited to be back in Asia and to meet all our partners and customers. It will be a fantastic time and I cannot wait to create the next Milestone chapter.

• In your opinion, what are the most exciting things currently shaping the Video Security Industry?

The Asia Pacific video security market has grown significantly due to the increasing use of video cameras in the field of security and law enforcement.

Advancements in video technology

Video technology has advanced well beyond a camera network’s fundamental function. Advanced health and safety solutions, situational awareness for commercial buildings and other public spaces, as well as deep insights into behavioural patterns have all been made possible by video analytics. The implementation of smart video technology can be felt across various right from smart cities to education.

The rise of “Secure Smart Cities” has led to increasing investment and anticipated growth in video security. Recent data from MarketsandMarkets indicate that the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the worldwide video security market from 2020 to 2025 is expected to grow at 20.4% in APAC.

5G capabilities boosting data transfer

With enhanced 5G capabilities, authorities and security experts can shave seconds  or even minutes off their emergency response time, reacting to any threat or emergency straight away. Any video surveillance application will benefit from the increased bandwidth and ultra-reliable low latency (uRLLC) that 5G offers when combined with Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC). Additionally, 5G is expected to offer streaming of 4K or 8K high-definition resolution videos, the image quality is also greatly improved.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for intelligent video security

Video security systems are rapidly evolving into smart visual intelligence platforms with capabilities extending beyond monitoring and recording. These systems employ AI/ML-based image analysis tools to trigger actions based on events, patterns, and predictive analytics. The result is tighter security, greater staff productivity, and lower costs.

• How will video technology play a key role in the next normal?

We are witnessing greater uptake and demand for technology, particularly in video security.  By 2026, the CAGR of the India video surveillance market is anticipated to expand by 16.6%, according to 6Wresearch.

Technology has become our first line of defence during worldwide catastrophes and has made it possible for us to better regulate and monitor the spread of viruses like Covid-19. For example, the retail and food and beverage industries were able to utilize video analytics and infrared imaging to adhere to crowd control and social distancing requirements.

In Australia, drive-through cafes and restaurants have connected their Point-of-Sale (POS) systems to a network of video cameras with licence plate recognition (LPR) technology to recognise cars entering the carpark. This integration has helped restaurants to predict orders from regular customers who have consented to sharing their data and licence information. By doing so, the restaurant can offer a more efficient and personalised drive-through experience, which would serve to help ease traffic congestion at pick-up points during peak hours.

• Which verticals are the focus in India, SAARC countries and Asia Pacific for 2022 – 23?

The way we live and work in the modern world continues to be improved by video technology. As we look to the future, we see exponential advancements in video that will directly benefit our industries, people, society, and the environment:

Healthcare
From performing remote surgery to monitoring the elderly, video technology will play a significant role in guaranteeing greater care and wellbeing. By 2030, isolated areas would have better access to specialised surgeons, and wearable video technology might help emergency responders in the event of an accident. This will decrease the need for immediate expert intervention and, in many situations, increase patients’ likelihood of a quick recovery.

Smart Cities

Video technology integrated with artificial intelligence will be able to analyse a city’s traffic patterns and make real-time adjustments to lights and signage to minimise traffic jams. We can actively help reduce pollution hotspots caused by slow-moving or stationary vehicles during rush hour by integrating video analysis of traffic patterns with data from air quality monitors.

Railways

Video technology is combined with AI, data analytics, sound detection, and behavioural analytics to monitor and manage complex transportation infrastructure and deter crime and terrorist attacks. Important national initiatives in all Asia Pacific markets include the installation of IP cameras and the development of Integrated Command and Control Centers that can analyse real-time data.  The installation of IP cameras and the creation of Integrated Command and Control Centers that can analyse real-time data are important national priorities across AP markets. We will soon witness advancement in integration of external video equipment like drones, body cameras, and maybe in-train cameras in addition to fixed cameras.

Retail

As more companies reopen their physical stores, social distancing will be imperative in preventing viral transmissions and store closures. Video software can help create a safe environment for employees and consumers while ensuring a good shopping experience for customers and enhancing efficiency and future sales. By offering a wide range of services, video management systems go beyond security and theft avoidance. As video technology evolves to match consumer expectations, the modern customer experience will only grow more rapidly.

• Do you think AI-enabled cameras in public areas could bring significant improvement to security concerns in India? 

India is undergoing a digital transformation to become a safer and smarter nation. The ever-increasing safety and security requirements coupled with the rise of smart cities has led to a surge in security market. One of the best and smartest security solutions that we see increasingly being adopted is “video analytics,” which combines artificial intelligence, real-time intrusion detection, license plate and facial recognition-based access control, video searches for forensic investigation, can be done with AI-based video analytics. Specialized analytics options include detecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) , smoke and fire , falls, fights, and emotions; as well as people and vehicle counting, distancing, occupancy, and more. With the help of video analytics technology, security software can identify risky activity that a person could overlook and recognize anomalous behaviour.

• How would the Metaverse be a gamechanger in Smart Cities?

The development of smart cities is accelerating throughout the world. How digital technologies are used and implemented to enhance quality of life and create opportunities for businesses is one significant and dynamic component of this ongoing growth.

Environmental information on usage and shifting needs can be found in the availability of parking spaces, energy consumption and supply, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, vehicles on the roads, and accidents.

When used effectively, this information raises service and living environment standards based on current information and actual demands, decisions regarding where to allocate infrastructure budgets can be made.